Lakers Thriving Without LeBron? Stephen A. Smith TORCHES LeBron as Lakers Go 8-3 Without Their Superstar—Is LA Better Off?
LeBron James and the Lakers: The Most Uncomfortable Superstar Story in NBA History
LeBron James is the most compelling figure in the NBA right now, but not for the reasons you might expect. The Los Angeles Lakers are winning—without him. And how LeBron plays when he returns could determine the future of rising star Austin Reeves.
Stop what you’re doing, because what’s happening in LA is either the most beautiful basketball story of the year or the most uncomfortable situation a superstar has ever faced.
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The Lakers Without LeBron: A New Era?
The Lakers are 8-3, sitting pretty in the Western Conference. LeBron, the face of the franchise and four-time champion, has missed all 11 games this season due to sciatica. He’s been practicing with the G-League affiliate, working his way back.
But here’s the wild part: The Lakers don’t just look competitive—they look dangerous. They look like real contenders. And the man carrying them? Luka Dončić. Yes, that Luka Dončić, formerly of the Dallas Mavericks, now wearing purple and gold after a blockbuster trade that sent Anthony Davis to Dallas.
The Luka Trade: Shaking Up the League
Back in February 2025, the Lakers shocked the world by trading AD for Luka in a three-team deal. The plan was to pair Luka with LeBron for a dominant duo. But LeBron’s injury left Luka to run the show—and he delivered.
Luka is averaging an insane 37.1 points per game through seven games. That’s MVP-level basketball. Austin Reeves, the undrafted kid from Arkansas, is averaging 30.3 points per game. The Lakers are winning without their supposed leader.
Stephen A. Smith’s Challenge
Stephen A. Smith is watching all this unfold, smirking. His analysis is pointed:
“The Lakers are winning without him. Luka is an MVP candidate without him. Austin Reeves is averaging 30 without him. The Lakers are winning without him.”
That’s not just analysis—it’s shade. It’s professional-level trolling. But Stephen A. goes deeper, saying LeBron’s impact won’t be about making the team better, but about not making them worse. Can he fit in, or will he disrupt what’s working?
LeBron’s Dilemma: Fit In or Fit Out?
For 20 years, every team LeBron joined became his team. The offense ran through him, the decisions were his. But this Lakers squad has evolved in his absence. Now, it’s Luka’s team. The offense flows through Luka. Austin Reeves has become a legitimate second star.
Into this balanced ecosystem walks LeBron. The question:
Can he accept being the third option? Can he embrace being the facilitator, the wise veteran? Or will he revert to old habits—demanding the ball, slowing the offense, disrupting the chemistry?
Stephen A. frames it perfectly:
“LeBron, you’ve got two choices. Fit into what’s working and help this team reach the conference finals, or try to reclaim your throne and watch the whole thing fall apart.”
A Legacy on the Line
LeBron is 40, about to turn 41, in his 22nd NBA season. The fact that we’re even debating his role on a contender at this age is a testament to his greatness. But greatness doesn’t always age gracefully.
Tom Brady accepted a lesser role for the sake of winning. Tim Duncan transitioned from superstar to facilitator. Can LeBron do it?
If he checks his ego and plays within this system, the Lakers could be scary—Luka creating, Reeves scoring, LeBron facilitating and defending. That’s a team that could challenge for the Western Conference Finals.
But if LeBron demands his usual touches, Reeves’ numbers will drop, the offense could stall, and the chemistry could break.
The Season Hangs in the Balance
LeBron’s return will either elevate the Lakers to championship contention or derail the train that’s been rolling without him.
There’s only one basketball and only so many possessions per game. Can LeBron accept being one of the guys?
Stephen A. Smith has put the question out there for the entire NBA world:
What happens when the king returns to find someone else sitting on the throne?
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